The 48-Hour Rule: Why You Can't Schedule a Last-Minute Michigan DOC Visit
Trying to schedule a last-minute visit with someone in Michigan Department of Corrections? The system won't let you. MDOC requires visits booked far enough ahead to get approved—but not so far out that you're reserving dates weeks in advance.
MDOC visits - both in-person and video - have a strict scheduling window: at least 48 hours in advance, but no more than 7 days out. That's why "tomorrow" usually isn't an option. It's also why you can't lock in a visit weeks ahead just to be safe. If your request falls outside that window, it won't go through.
Before scheduling anything, you need to be registered in the MDOC visitation system hosted by ViaPath (GTL) - and your visiting application has to be approved. Without that approval, the scheduler won't let you create a visit. Even if there's an open slot, you can't grab it until you're in the system.
Note: Beginning Oct. 25, 2025, visiting time slots will be released for scheduling at 8:00 a.m. instead of midnight. If you’re used to checking late at night, plan to check in the morning instead.
Even when you're scheduling within the allowed window, the portal limits how often you can book video visits. On ViaPath/GTL, visitors can schedule up to one video visit every two days. Had a video visit yesterday? The system may block you from booking another right away - even if you see an available slot.
- ✓ Level I - 5 video visits per month
- ✓ Level II - 4 video visits per month
- ✓ Level IV (General Population and Protection) - 3 video visits per month
- ✓ Level V and STG I - 2 video visits per month
- ✓ Segregation and STG II - 1 video visit per month
Video visits aren't "reserve now, pay later." You have to pay in advance through ViaPath (GTL). Skip this step and you might think you've booked a slot - only to lose it or have the visit fall through.
Planning to bring a group? MDOC allows a maximum of five visitors at one time. If more than five people want to visit, you'll need to schedule separate sessions.
- Check when new time slots drop - Beginning Oct. 25, 2025, visiting time slots release at 8:00 a.m. (not midnight), so that’s when you’ll want to start checking for fresh openings.
- Book within the allowed window - If you try to schedule too close to the visit date or too far out, the system won’t accept it, even if you’re approved.
- Space out video visits - The portal only allows up to one video visit every two days, so plan your week with gaps instead of trying to stack visits back-to-back.
For in-person visits, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time. That buffer gives you room for check-in and keeps you from losing your visit because you cut it too close.
- ✓ Plan for a visit that’s up to 20 minutes
- ✓ Log into the ViaPath website 10 minutes early for verification
- ✓ Be ready to show a government-issued photo ID on camera before each video visit
- ✓ Pay for the video visit in advance through ViaPath (GTL)
Need to arrange a legal visit quickly? Attorneys have a faster path than family and friends. A CAJ-1069 visiting application submitted by an attorney gets processed within two business days of receipt at the facility - much faster than the typical visitor approval timeline.
If it’s urgent: If you’re dealing with an emergency or a special circumstance, contact the facility directly and ask what options are available for your situation.
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